A Cross-Cultural Experience

DANBURY — For Dr Stacey Alba Skar, chairperson of Western Connecticut State University’s world languages and literature department, the debut this August of WestConn’s Global Academy in Puerto Rico is about much more than a two-week immersion in the Spanish language. It is about experiencing the fullness of Puerto Rican culture and society, and bringing the experience home to classrooms across Connecticut.

Dr Skar began brainstorming last fall with Professor of Education Dr Darla Shaw to craft a proposal for a multidisciplinary program designed to deepen cross-cultural understanding among current and future teachers. The project gained the university’s endorsement. The Global Academy is slated for launch with a two-week program in Puerto Rico from August 7 to 21.

A unique program has been designed by Dr Skar, beginning with instruction and field experience at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) at Mayaquez, followed by intensive introduction to teaching theory and practice at a Mayaguez elementary school. Participants will attend lectures and field trips exploring Puerto Rico’s politics, economy, ecology, social dynamics and popular culture, presented within a framework of a comprehensive language-immersion experience.

“They’re not only taking lessons in the language, but also in the sciences, business, art, history, and more,” Dr Skar observed. “We wanted it to be a true cross-cultural exchange, instead of just talking Spanish in a different place.

For more information, call Dr Skar at 837-8485 or email skars@wcsu.edu, or call the Office of University Relations at 837-8486.